Previously on Move– Read Chapter 24 HERE

Catch up from the beginning HERE

Liam and Aria stand in front of his childhood home. It’s grand. A mansion to say the least. Based on Liam’s sleek yet chill apartment you would never know he grew up here.

“Are you sure I shouldn’t have worn that other dress? I suddenly feel like my boobs are very much on display in this,” she says nervously as she looks down at her slight cleavage.

“Well love, for me they are always on display, no matter what you wear” he says wagging his eyebrows.

Aria smirks slightly as she rolls her eyes. He can tell the idea of seeing Gertrude Whitmore again is getting to her.

“You look beautiful,” he says sweetly as he places a kiss on her cheek.

Liam presses the bell.

***

Aria laughs at something Liam says, as he smirks, he takes her hand bringing it to his lips he places a kiss on it.

It doesn’t go unnoticed by Gertrude’s beady little black eyes.

“So Aria, I’m so happy you decided to come. It means the world to me that you’ve accepted my apology and that we can have a fresh start.”

“Well, I thought it best we bury the hatchet, you know now that things are moving forward with Liam and I. I realize first impressions aren’t everything. And I know how protective family can be,” she says with a bright smile.

Nothing could take away how happy Liam makes her, even the possible disapproval of his mother. Her nerves had subsided once the initial apology was offered up. It seemed genuine enough. Aria loves Liam and that alone is enough for her to give this dinner her very best effort.

“Moving forward?” Gertrude says curiously.

“Yes mum, Aria and I are moving in together,” he says placing his hand on her knee, as she smiles she places her hand over his and squeezes it slightly. Liam smiles as he places a quick peck on Aria’s lips.

He’s come such a long way in such a short time. Telling her. Not asking for permission. Aria’s heart was soaring. What a man. And some PDA in front of her. Whoa. Hello New Liam.

Gertrude chokes on her brandy.

“Oh, wow!” she says clearing her throat quickly. “My apologies that just went down wrong. That’s so exciting. I’m so happy for you son. For both of you. Let’s have a toast, shall we?” she says holding up a finger to her butler as he nods darting off to retrieve a bottle of Whitmore’s finest and some glasses.

***

Aria and Liam sit back home, her shoes tossed to the floor, his tie off and sleeves rolled up, jacket tossed over the arm chair. The fire place glistening.

“That went incredibly well,” Liam says beaming.

“Yea it kinda did, didn’t it?” she says happily.

“Thank you for that, I know that couldn’t have been easy. I know it wasn’t easy for me.”

“I told you, I’m in this for the long haul Liam,” she says caressing his cheek softly.

“So am I. And I’m never letting you go, love,” he says leaning in and kissing her passionately.

Things start to get heated as usual.

Liam presses his forehead against hers, as he stares into her chocolate caramel eyes, “When are you gonna bring all your stuff over,” he sighs into her lips as he teases her with the possibility of another kiss.

Aria groans at his mean little trick, as she catches his bottom lip between her teeth. She bites down slightly causing Liam to groan as he deepens their connection.

“I told you, after the showcase. Ok? I just want to have one last fun girl’s night in with my cousins and my friends. I need that. I want to close that chapter of my life the right way.” She whispers against his lips.

“I understand. I do. I get it. And I want that for you. I just- I have a really hard time sleeping when you’re not next to me.”

“Trust me, I know the feeling.” She says her hands gliding across his chest as she sighs “But the showcase is this weekend and it’ll fly by,” She says running her hands through his sandy brown waves.

“I have a surprise for you?” He says with a smile as he places a peck on her lips.

“Really?” she says wiggling beneath him, her curiosity peaked.

“Not that kind of surprise,” he says with a smirk as he stands up.

Aria groans with frustration as she watches him go over to his briefcase and take out two tickets.

“What is this?” she says with a smile as she looks down at the tickets.

“Sky’s hosting this wine and paint party tomorrow night at her place, if you’re interested we can go. She wants us to go. Bring all the girls, I want to spend more time with them. I want them to know how serious I am about you. That you’re in good hands.”

“You had me at wine. But all that romantic, sweet stuff was just the icing on the cake,” she says smiling brightly as she intertwines her fingers in his. “Such good hands,” she says raising an eyebrow up at him.

Liam laughs.

“So you wanna go?”

“Yea I’d love to. And I’m sure the girls will love to join too. I’ll call them. Aw, babe I’m so excited. We’re like a real couple!” she says doing a little cute dance.

Liam shakes his head with a chuckle.

“Yea. We are,” he says kissing her. “Besides I figured it’d be a good way to relax before the showcase. I know you’ve been working so hard with trying to balance work at the gym and your rehearsal time. Let alone a social life,” he says smiling.

“You are wonderful, you know that?” she says beaming.

“I try, love,” he says shrugging his shoulders.

“You don’t have to try. Really. You are just, ugh, you make me so happy!” she says cupping his face with her hands as she places a big sweet, smooch on his lips.

Liam looks at her in adoration, “If you’re happy, I’m happy,” he says simply. His love for her growing with each second he spends with her.

***

Aria and Liam walk into Sky’s funky SoHo apartment that she shares with her bandmates. Aria’s girl gang in tote.

“AHHHHH!” Sky screams the minute she sees Aria and Liam.

Liam laughs as Sky rushes over to them.

“Look at you two, holding hands, looking adorable! I love it!” she says clapping.

“Thank you Ev,” he says giving her a hug.

“Your place is amazing! So funky!” Aria says hugging her.

“Thanks. Just like me!” she says laughing. “Oh I’m so happy you all made it, come come pick a paint station!” she says pulling Aria by the hand.

Liam smiles as he lets the girls walk in before him.

“Yolanda, Layla,” he says stopping them both, “Aria told me how supportive you both were about everything. I just want to say thank you. I know things are moving quickly for us, but I believe when you know you just know.” He says with a smile.

Yolanda looks at him, her heart beating against her chest at the sudden realization. Something just clicks inside her.

“Yea well, it took me a minute, but we do realize how happy you make her. And she really deserves that,” Layla says with a smile.

“I’m sorry, I have to go,” Yolanda says.

Liam looks at her worriedly.

“It’s not because of you, please, don’t misunderstand. I just, I have something I need to do. Tell everyone I’ll be back,” she says rushing off.

“Yoyo,” Layla calls after her.

“I’m ok, don’t worry. I’ll call you,” she says blowing her a kiss and rushing out the door.

***

Yolanda rushes through the silver sliding doors of the hospital. Catching her brief reflection through the glass, a woman determined. She rushes over to the surgery board scanning it for Dr. Matthew Greene’s name. Nothing. Her cute pumps digging into the backs of her ankles.

“Hey Claire, is Dr Greene on call today?” she asks urgently, ignoring her discomfort.

“Um, he was. But he just finished his shift. If you hurry you might be able to catch him in the parking lot. He just left,” she says noticing her distress.

“Thanks,” Yolanda says rushing off.

She bursts through the garage door as her eyes scan the parking lot for his toned, tall body.

She sees him, and suddenly her legs halt. What if she makes a fool of herself?

She turns on her heel and starts to walk away quickly, and then Liam’s words echo in her mind- “when you know you just know.”

She stops and turns swiftly walking toward him as he opens his car door to get in.

It’s now or never, Yolanda.

“Dr. Greene?” She says. He sees her and halts, his smile bright as always.

“Yolanda, Hi. I didn’t know you were working today,” he says.

“Hi, I’m not actually. Um…I came to talk to you. Do you have a second?”

“Of course, step into my office,” he says with a funny head tilt as he gestures toward the back of his minivan. The trunk opens creating a nice little seating area for them.

Yolanda smiles as she follows him and takes a seat.

“So what’s up?” he asks calmly.

“Ok, um, I don’t really know where to start. I-”

“If this is about the Leighton case, I read your notes. Great job.”

Yolanda shakes her head. “I like you. A lot,” she blurts out.

“Oh,” Matthew says surprised.

“Look over the past few years that we’ve been working together I feel like we’ve always had this underlying connection. We work really well together. I think you are a wonderful doctor and boss and all around just a really wonderful man. And I have felt like you’ve sort of hinted at possibly being interested maybe once or twice but I was never fully sure. And I worried what people might think, and how it could affect our professional relationship. But I-”

“Yolanda,” he says taking her hand in his. “You thought right. I have always had very deep feelings for you. I just wasn’t sure you ever noticed.”

Yolanda sighs as her heart beat slows down, and her mind becomes clearer.

“Yea?” she asks her eyes meeting his, seeing him for the first real time.

“Yea,” Matthew nods with a sweet smile as he cups her cheek with his hand, leaning in he places a sweet kiss on her lips.

Yolanda’s heart pounding against her chest and in that moment she knew, Matthew was unlike any other man that came before.

***

Aria and Liam sit side by side. A continuous pouring of wine into clear crystal glasses as paint brushes stroke blank canvases. Aria’s girl gang laughing amongst themselves as she smiles at the very bubbly hostess Sky.

Aria leans over to sneak a peek at Liam’s piece and it is already an image.

“Wow,” she says stunned, her jaw dropping.

“What?” he says with a sweet chuckle.

“Liam, you are seriously talented!” Aria says.

“Oh…thank you love,” he says sending her a sexy wink.

Sky walks over, “Ah so you’ve finally seen his artistic brilliance come to life?”

Liam rolls his eyes.

“Yes! I have! Liam I mean, you really should be doing this for a living, you don’t belong in a stuffy old corporate office,” Aria says her hand laying on his knee.

“I’ve been telling him that…for years,” Sky says with a knowing sister look.

Aria looks over at Liam in awe as his brush glides across the canvas.

***

“Sky, thank you so much, this was really great!” Aria says smiling.

“Of course I’m so glad you all came!”

“Bye Ev,” Liam says giving his sister a hug.

“Goodnight, we’ll have to plan something again soon!” she says smiling as she waves to the group as they exit.

Aria and Liam head down the city sidewalk, hand in hand.

“Hey Lay?” Aria says as she turns to Layla. “Has Yoyo called you yet?”

Layla checks her phone for the hundredth time that night, “No,” she says with a huff, “See now I’m starting to get a little worried.”

“Yea me too. This is so unlike her.” Aria says concern etched on her face.

***

Yolanda’s eyes flutter open as she is met with a ray of sunshine peeking through the luxurious cream lace curtains. And then she smiles remembering her night in snippets.

The hospital garage. Dr. Matthew Greene at his car. Her confession. His confession. Their kiss.

The wine. Lots of it. The local church. Rings. Vows. And sex in the most beautiful hotel room. Sex. Lots of it. Whispered I love yous. And calling him Matthew for the first few times. Screaming it a few dozen times.

Yolanda smiles as she turns toward the warm body curled up beside her. His muscular arm draped over her waist. A sweet smirk resting on his beautiful face.

Yolanda smiles as she looks at the ring on her left hand. She leans over and places a kiss on Matthew’s lips.

He starts to kiss her back, before he even opens his eyes. Fluttering open they meet hers.

He chuckles, as he pulls her closer to him.

“Good Morning Mrs. Greene?” he says smiling brightly.

Yolanda covers her face with her hands as she shakes her head in disbelief.

“Did we really get married last night?” she asks with a giggle.

“Oh we did.” He says smiling.

“It’s kind of crazy don’t you think though? I mean we haven’t even been on a first date,” Yolanda says baffled at this turn of events.

“Well maybe not,” he says lacing their fingers together, “but we’re not exactly strangers Yolanda. We’ve known each other for years. I respect you, I admire your character, and I see how caring you are and how strong you are. And I mean you are absolutely stunning. I’ve waited so long for you to accept this connection between us. Once you finally did, there was no way I was going to just date you. I’ve wanted you for so long. I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember,” he says looking into her eyes.

“You’re incredible, I’ve loved you for a long time too. I was just so scared. I haven’t exactly had the best luck with men,” she says.

“Well that’s all in the past now, I promise you and I will always be a team” he says pulling her into a kiss.

Yolanda smiles as she wraps her arms around his neck, as Matthew shifts them lower on the bed so they are laying down.

“Mmm mmm, wait,” she says pushing him gently away from her just when things were getting heated.

“More waiting?” Matthew says with a joking tone as he stops looking at her.

“What are we going to do about work…it’s not professional for me to have married my boss. Especially when no one even saw us as a couple in the first place,” she says worried

“Hey, don’t worry about that now, it’s our honeymoon,” he says smiling.

Yolanda laughs, “I’m serious Matt,” she says still worried.

Matthew looks at her, “God I love hearing you call me that.”

“Well that is your name?” Yolanda says laughing.

“Yea, but do you realize in all these years we’ve worked together, you have not once called me by my first name,” he says with a smirk.

“Well I think I certainly made up for that last night,” she says coyly.

“Oh, Mrs. Greene. You naughty thing,” he says laughing as he kisses her.

Yolanda laughs. But soon her laugh turns to gasps as Matthew works his way down her body, her mind losing all worry. Her hands gripping at sheets.

***

“Yolanda! I have called you like 100 times! Where are you? This is not ok! Call me back,” Layla screams into her phone as she paces her apartment floor.

Aria tries the hospital again, “Hi, sorry to bother you again, has anyone heard from Nurse Yolanda Lenz today, did she come into work?” she says her nerves bubbling as she paces alongside her cousin.

Layla looks on hopefully as Aria shakes her head no luck.

Layla sighs heavily, “that’s it I’m calling the cops!”

Liam looks on confused, “I hate to play devil’s advocate during a time like this but…”

“Then don’t Liam,” Aria says as she glares.

“Ok, hey, love, I know you’re nervous but think about it. You said she was going to find Dr. Greene and tell him how she feels right?”

“Yea?” Layla and Aria say in unison.

“So…maybe things…went well.” He says with a cheeky smirk.

“What are you getting at Liam?” Layla asks confused.

“I’m saying what if the feelings were mutual and things escalated…” Liam says insinuating.

“My sister would never just go home with some guy!” Layla says annoyed.

“But from what I’ve heard… he’s not just some guy. I mean haven’t they known each other for years? I mean Aria, love, think about us, I mean we were extremely invested really quickly and we barely knew each other. Think about years of pent up feelings, and attraction, I mean Yolanda could be…”

“Married.” Yolanda says, standing at the doorway. Dr. Greene standing beside her. Both wearing goofy grins.

Aria, Layla and Liam’s eyes all fall on the couple.

“I’m sorry, did you just say MARRIED?” Layla says in pure shock.

“Yes, I did,” Yolanda says happily as she holds up her left hand.

“I- I-I” Layla says stammering.

“What?” Aria blurts out.

“I realize this may come as a shock,” Yolanda says walking in cautiously. Matthew following suit.

“Yea, ya think?” Layla and Aria both say in unison.

Liam extends his hand, “Good to see you again, Dr. Greene.”

“Likewise, Mr. Whitmore,” Matthew says shaking his hand with a firm professional grip.

“How the hell did this happen, not judging, just so confused!” Aria says her eyes darting between the newlyweds.

“Ok, that’s understandable, why don’t we sit and Matt and I will tell you everything.”

“Well maybe not…everything Hun,” Matt says with a shy smirk.

“Oh my god, have you two already had sex?” Layla blurts out.

“Layla, I would very much appreciate your discretion,” Matt says, his cheeks turning red.

“Oh you think she’s not going to tell us all about it, oh you’re so cute!” Aria says smiling as she slaps Matt’s shoulder playfully.

“Wait…what?” Liam says worried as he turns to Aria, “Do you talk about us…” he whispers.

“Bravo, Liam,” Layla says her eyebrows wagging.

Liam blushes.

“OK!” Yolanda says standing up sternly. “Ladies, my bedroom please,” she says pointing forcefully in that direction.

Liam and Matt exchange confused glances as the girls walk off.

***

Yolanda closes the door behind.

“I can’t believe you’re married!” Aria whispers loudly.

“Seriously Yoyo, how was the sex?” Layla says excitedly.

“Layla!” Yolanda says her cheeks blushing.

“No come on, you have to tell us! This is huge!” Aria says excitedly.

“It was…” she rolls her eyes at the notion of sharing, “incredible,” she says laughing.

“Ah!” Aria says clapping happily.

“Oh I knew it. He looks like he’d be good in bed,” Layla says doing a little sexy dance move.

“Ew, Layla. He’s my husband.” Yolanda says annoyed.

They all halt as Yolanda smiles brightly, her hands cupping her face. “I have a husband,” she says happily.

“You do! I can’t believe it!” Aria says.

“Me neither, you have to tell us everything!” Layla says pulling the two of them to the floor as she sits cross legged.

“Well I went to the hospital to find Matt, and finally tell him how I feel. And he was in the parking lot just about to get in his car. I asked him if we could talk and I just told him. And he then said he felt the same way. And then he kissed me. And it was in that moment that I knew he was not just a guy. He was the guy. My guy. And it was like this mutual agreement that we both felt. Like just dating wasn’t enough. All these years were just such a preamble. Marriage was the only logical thing. And believe me, I know how bizarre and unlike me this all sounds. But I just, I knew it felt right when we kissed. And Liam said something that stuck with me, in fact it’s what made me leave and rush over to the hospital- he said, “when you know you just know.” And I knew.” Yolanda says shrugging.

“My Liam, said that?” Aria says emotionally grabbing her chest.

“Yea, and it was like everything just kind of clicked and I knew I had to see Matt.” Yolanda nods with a smile.

“You guys are seriously adorable!” Aria says smiling.

“So much is changing!” Layla says her eyes starting to fill with water.

“Aw Lay, don’t cry,” Yolanda says as she pulls her into a sisterly hug.

Aria rubs her cousin’s back gently, trying to soothe her.

“I can’t help it. You and Liam are moving in together, you’re married! Don’t get me started on how sad I am that I wasn’t there!” Layla says.

“I know, I’m sorry. Of course I missed having my girls by my side. But Matt and I said we wanna plan a big wedding sometime in the future and of course you both will be my maid of honors!”

“Aw, of course!” Aria says smiling and clapping.

“So much is changing. Where does that leave me? I’m going to have to move out.” Layla says moving away and sitting on the nearby bed as she wipes a few fallen tears.

“Hey, no you do not! I would never do that to you!” Yolanda says her eyes beginning to water too.

“You’re married now. I highly doubt Matthew is going to want his wife’s sister hanging around.”

“Ok, well maybe we haven’t gotten to discuss living arrangements yet, but I will never not be here for you,” Yolanda says sitting down next to her sister and taking her hand.

“Yea and same goes for me too, Liam understands how important both of you are to me, you two are truly my sisters.” Aria says as she extends a hand to each of them.

The three girls sit there, in silence, holding hands, and taking in their last few moments with just the three of them.

“You know what, how about, Aria and I tell our guys that it’s just gonna be us three girls tonight?” Yolanda says with a smile.

“I can’t ask you guys to do that. I don’t want to be rude.”

“No you’re not, I think that’s a fantastic idea. Besides my showcase is coming up and I could really use some family time,” Aria says smiling.

“Really?” Layla says looking between her sister and her cousin.

They both nod as their tears dry and their smiles widen.

Layla smiles brightly, “Aw thank you both,” she says pulling them both into a bear hug.

***

“Ok…so….what do we wanna do first?” Aria says coming over with a bottle of wine and three glasses and joining the girls on the floor fort full of blankets and pillows.

“Definitely order food!” Layla says as Yolanda nods along.

“Mexican, Italian, Greek, Chinese?” Aria says flipping through a bunch of menus.

“Yes,” Layla and Yolanda say in unison.

“A little bit of everything?” Aria asks with a big flirty smile, “A smorgasbord of deliciousness if you will?”

They all laugh as they clink their wine glasses.

***

“Oh my god, I am stuffed,” Layla says lying motionless on the floor, arms spread out at her sides.

“Ugh, me too!” Yolanda says holding her stomach.

“Oh so, I’m the only one who is going to enjoy this insane chocolate cake we ordered?” Aria says holding the cake up in front of them. “Fine, more for me.”

“How can you eat like you do, and look like that? I’m a nurse and I still don’t get how she does it.” Yolanda says shaking her head and looking toward her Layla with a smirk.

“Hey, it all just goes to my ass, and Liam loves it,” Aria says laughing as she sticks her tongue out as they each grab a fork and dig into the cake.

“I really am happy for you Ari, and you too Yoyo. I’m just gonna miss this,” Layla says smiling with a shrug of her shoulders.

“Hey, no no, do not get emotional on us again, ok? Tonight is our night!” Yolanda says.

“Yea, so what next, facials, mani/pedis, dance party, chick flick?” Aria says smiling.

“Yea let’s do it all, in that order,” Layla says smiling brightly as she claps her hands.

“Great I’ll get the spa basket,” Aria says popping up.

“I’ll scan Netflix for our favorite rom coms,” Yolanda says grabbing the remote.

“I’ve got our kickass playlist ready,” Layla says waving her cell phone.

***

Aria, Layla and Yolanda have what feelings like a montage of the perfect girls night in, slumber party. Checking all their plans off their list. As they snap silly green faced selfies, and take turns painting each other’s nails. They dance around their apartment as they each sway to the music, their wine glasses half full and swishing around. Ending the night with a feel good rom com. They lay together amongst the blankets and pillows as the credits roll. Yolanda shuts the TV, they sit there in silence and darkness, as the night creeps in.

“I love you guys,” Layla says sitting between them.

“Love you,” they both say in unison as they all hug each other tightly.

TO BE CONTINUED…

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-